Evidence of regional subsidence and associated interior wetland loss induced by hydrocarbon production, Gulf Coast region, USA

Efficient global optimization of reservoir geomechanical parameters based on synthetic aperture radar-derived ground displacements

“…The consequent adjustment of the stress field and the volumetric deformation of the geologic formations can reactivate faults located in the surroundings of the reservoir (Trugman et al, 2014), induce seismic events (Lei et al, 2013), produce localized ground ruptures (Li et al, 2000), land subsidence (Fielding et al, 1998;Motagh et al, 2008;Chang et al, 2014), or uplift (Vasco et al, 2010;Teatini et al, 2011). Thus, reservoir management raises serious concerns in terms of human health, safety of structures and infrastructures, economic risks, and environmental and hydrologic impact (Morton et al, 2006). The probability of these processes is largely influenced by the geomechanical properties of the reservoir and the surrounding geologic horizons.…”

Eos, Transactions, American Geophysical Union Volume 91, Number 19, 11 May 2010

“…Under some conditions, there is a signifi cant reduction of nutrients [Lane et al, 2004], but under other conditions this is not the case. In addition, at least three large Louisiana bay systems (Barataria, Terrebonne, and Atchafalaya) can affect hypoxia by supplying signifi cant quantities of organic matter to the coast [Morton et al, 2006]. The rate of wetland loss, which further introduces stored organic material to the shelf, has quadrupled during the years 1983-1990 to 65 square kilo meters per year.…”

Offshore Sediment Character and Sand Resource Assessment of the Northern Gulf of Mexico, Florida to Texas

“…During the 60-year period between 1930 and 1990, coastal Louisiana lost an estimated 3,950 km 2 of wetlands. Overall, some 40% of all U.S. coastal wetlands are found in the north central Gulf coast region, and the loss of wetlands in Louisiana since 1930 is roughly equal to 80% of the total U.S. national wetland loss over the last 60 years (Boesch et al, 1994;Morton, Bernier, and Barras, 2006 Pb radiometric dating model was used to derive sediment core geochronologies and mass accumulation rates that revealed the intermittent pulses of higher inorganic sediment supply since 1960 that these researchers relate to the landfall of major hurricanes. Smith, Osterman, and Poore conclude that the approximately three-fold increase in Mobile Bay region salt marshes over the last 120 years is in part driven that hurricanes aid marsh accretion relative to sea-level rise.…”